What is Burnout?
Many people use the term “burnout” as a catch-all term for a number of labor-related ills, including, but not limited to, physical tiredness, long-term stress or anxiety, emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, feelings of isolation, and mental weariness.
In a more formal definition,Mayo Clinic characterizes burnout as “a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.” It’s important to emphasize that burnout is a state of being, rather than an official medical diagnosis.
Burnout in Healthcare Settings
As you probably already know, healthcare jobs can be mentally and physically demanding, often requiring workers to take on long hours and perform emotional labor while caring for patients.
Some future healthcare workers may also experience burnout during their training programs, but don’t worry—there are ways to get ahead of this! Below, we’ll go over ten ways to avoid burnout during your healthcare training program.
10 Ways to Avoid Burnout
1. Set Realistic Goals:
One of the best ways to avoid burnout is to know what you’re getting yourself into before beginning your training program. Research what sorts of activities and tasks you will be asked to perform throughout your training and ensure that you’re comfortable with each of them—if the duties or lessons don’t feel like the right fit, explore [other types of training programs] available near you.
2. Seek Support:
Luckily, healthcare certification training programs have built-in support systems in the form of your supervisors and instructors. In stressful times, you can also lean on your fellow classmates for support, as they may be experiencing some of the same feelings as you are. Voicing your concerns can open new pathways to learn from your instructors!
3. Stay Curious and Engaged:
If you’re new to the industry, you’ll hopefully have a healthy amount of curiosity about the topics covered in your training courses. Maintaining this interest over time, by both staying engaged and continuously learning, can help prevent burnout throughout your career.
4. Seek Feedback:
Your instructors will likely give feedback throughout the program, but if you find yourself lacking confidence, constructive criticism can help you feel more sure in your abilities. Not only will asking for feedback help you succeed in your training program, but it will also demonstrate your willingness to learn!
5. Manage Your Time:
Effective time management skills are important regardless of your future career path. By creating schedules that allow for studying, self-care, and relaxation during your training program, you will set yourself up for success once you begin working in healthcare full-time.
6. Prioritize Self-Care:
Although it may be difficult, make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. When you spend so much time caring for patients, it’s very important to care for yourself, too! Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
7. Balance Your Social Life:
Clinicals and classroom instruction may tire you out, but be sure to keep spending time with friends and loved ones! While forming relationships with your classmates can help prevent isolation, socializing with people outside of your program can provide much-needed avenues of additional support.
8. Take Breaks:
Regular breaks, even short ones, can improve your focus and productivity. Breaks are crucial for resetting after intense lessons or high-stress moments in healthcare settings. Step away from your work or studies to recharge and avoid burnout.
9. Rotate Tasks:
If possible, vary your tasks during clinical instruction to prevent monotony and burnout. Switching between different activities, or trading tasks with another student on and off, can keep you engaged and motivated.
10. Celebrate Achievements:
Acknowledge your successes and milestones, no matter how small! In a training program, there are several important “firsts” that are worth celebrating. Not only will it boost morale and motivation, but positive reinforcement can make you feel more confident in your new role as a medical assistant.
In all, the most important tip to avoiding burnout is to be proactive! Adopting healthy habits and strategies before experiencing burnout, rather than trying to get back on track while you’re physically and mentally exhausted, will ensure success.
